Share This Post

Best Woods for Your Garden Furniture

Wooden garden furniture is proven to
improve the looks of your garden. Unlike metal or plastic, wood is a natural
product and very ideal as garden furniture. As for the durability of the wood
furniture used in your garden, there is nothing to worry about as most wood
furniture manufacturers are using high quality and durable materials. Some of
the mighty woods used for garden furniture found in garden
design in Sydney include Redwood, Red Cedar, Cypress, White Oak, Ipe,
Teak, Mahogany among others.

Redwood

This type of wood is ideal for outdoor
projects. Additionally, they are easy to find especially if you are residing in
the United States. Redwood is naturally
decay-resistant, appears straight-grained and has dimensional stability.
Redwood is tagged as “The Giant of all Nature’s plants”. It resists
decay-causing fungi, resists water and insects. Redwood also creates excellent
siding and millwork. It also doesn’t have an odor or taste ideal for water
tanks and other similar vessels.

Western Red Cedar

This wood is commonly sold in western as
well as Midwest US and locals prefer it due to its economical price and
availability. It is decay-resistant and the durable tree of life. The Western
Red Cedar was also once called the “tree of life” due to its versatility. When
used in your garden, instead of paint, use lacquer, clear wax or varnish.

Cypress

Cypress is a huge tree cousin to giant
sequoia and redwood. It is very ideal for outdoor construction due to its
resistance to decay. They are moderately strong, hard, and stable. Cypress
features ashlike grain patterns and readily accepts finish just like with cedar
and redwood.

White Oak

White Oak also known as whiskey barrel
wood, is a lot different than red oak as it is less absorbent. Moisture won’t
affect its end grain. White Oak is ideal for garden furniture as it is
super-strong, straight-grained, and decay-resistant. Just like with cedar and
redwood, white oak splits easily and you need to use predrill screw holes as
fasteners.

Ipe

Ipe grows rapidly in Central and South
America. It is also famously called Brazilian walnut or ironwood. Ipe is so
dense that it barely floats. It is also very stable and strong and lasts up to
40 years if it is left untreated. Ipe is very good for garden furniture as it
resists movement, warping, cracking, surface checks, denting and even
decomposition. Unfortunately, Ipe is sometimes hard to find and expensive.

Teak

Though Teaks are available in small
quantities, it is most expensive and you will have to pay a hefty price if you
want to use it for garden furniture. Fortunately, if you are using teak for
outdoors, you do not need to apply a finish. Just occasional scrubbing with
water and soap will do.

Mahogany

Mahogany is considered ‘the best’ project
wood. However, if ipe is expensive, mahogany costs more. For years, mahogany is
the perfect choice for high-end furniture and perfect for ornate carvings.
Furniture makers love it due to its tight grain that readily accepts any
finish. Most consumers and garden design
in Sydney love its rich color.